Three NORTHERN LAPWINGS were discovered in a farm pasture in New Egypt, Ocean County Jan 14 and remain through Jan 17. The birds are in a field on the north side of Big Woods Rd (also labeled as Brynmore Rd on some maps) just east of the intersection with Inman Rd. For GPS devices, use 143 Brynmore Rd as an address to find the location. Look for the lapwings at the back edge of the fenced cattle pasture. Also present at this location are 2 SANDHILL CRANES. Please note that this is an active farm: birders should always yield to farm equipment and try to pull as far to the road shoulders as possible. While the road is public, all the land in this area is PRIVATE and no trespassing is allowed.

The PINK-FOOTED GOOSE continues to move around the region where Monmouth, Mercer, and Middlesex Counties meet. Most recently the bird has been seen in a corn field along Rte 33 in Monroe Twp opposite the Renaissance housing development; this is directly adjacent to the Twin Rivers section of East Windsor. The bird was also seen this week in Monroe Twp on Northwind Ct off Old Church Rd. On Jan 17 both the PINK-FOOTED GOOSE and the BARNACLE GOOSE were on Lake Etra in Twin Rivers.

Three BARNACLE GEESE reappeared Jan 15 in a Canada Goose flock along Probasco Rd in Twin Rivers. The field is on the west side of Probasco just north of the intersection with Rte 33.

More information about the locations of the geese and lapwing sightings can be viewed here:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=203972922394275048173.0004d34a1a115d5233e40&msa=0&ll=40.132691,-74.473572&spn=0.179804,0.41851

A CRESTED CARACARA was photographed Jan 14 in New Gretna, Burlington County. The bird has been seen in the treed area immediately adjacent to the road between the Presbyterian Church and 27 North Maple Ave. Residents say the bird has been present in this area for some time.

The RUFOUS/ALLEN?S HUMMINGBIRD continues at Palmyra Cove Nature Park through Jan 16. The bird frequents the feeder to the left of the visitor center entrance.

The NORTHERN SHRIKE continues at Assunpink WMA through Jan 14. It has been seen in the grassy swale south of the western-most parking area. To reach this spot turn left (west) off Imlaystown Road just before you reach the paved boat launch parking area at Lake Assunpink. Follow the dirt road up a small hill and park under the large trees overlooking the lake. With your back to the lake, walk through the hedgerow across the harvested field to the grassy swale and look for the bird here. NOTE: It?s currently small game hunting season at Assunpink WMA, so if you look for the bird it?s best to dress wearing bright clothing.

A ROSS?S GOOSE and a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE have been floating around with a Canada Goose flock in the Basking Ridge area Jan 13-15. The birds have been seen in the field by the Lord Stirling Equestrian Center, off South Maple Ave, and at the VA hospital fields near the golf course. The birds were found off Knollcroft Rd in Lyons Jan 15.

An eight-hour Pelagic Trip is scheduled for Sunday February 3, 2013 from Belmar searching for Razorbill, Dovekie, Common Murre, other alcids, Black-legged Kittiwake, and white-winged gulls. Cost is $115. To register contact Jim Hull Sportfishing at 732-988-7760 or see http://www.jimhullsportfishing.com

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many favored birding locations are currently closed to the public or have limited access. A partial list follows.